Butler Bulldogs' Guard Rotnei Clarke Will Miss Third Consecutive Game at LaSalle

By Paul Seaver

Brian Spurlock-USA Today Sports

Despite losing their star guard a little over a week ago, Butler has pushed forward with back-to-back wins, moving up to No. 9 overall in this week’s national poll.

News has surfaced however, that 6-foot-3 guard Rotnei Clarke will miss even more action when the Bulldogs make their trip to Philadelphia on Wednesday night. According to a few reports, Clarke will miss his third consecutive game when Butler takes on LaSalle.

The missed time is all stemming from a sprained neck, which was suffered in a win over Dayton. Clarke was taken off the court on a stretcher, but no permanent damage was found.

Over the weekend, the Bulldogs made a big-time statement on national TV, as ESPN‘s College GameDay was in the house to witness a thrilling, buzzer-beating victory over Gonzaga. With Clarke not in uniform, the Bulldogs have banned together and will look for their 14th consecutive victory overall on Wednesday night.

On the season, Clarke is averaging a team-high 16.3 points per game and has burst onto the scene as a member of the Bulldogs with his scoring ability and lights out perimeter shooting. While Butler is certainly at a disadvantage without Clarke, his health is obviously the top priority.

When Clarke does return to the lineup, the Bulldogs will once again pick up an edge that has catapulted them back into the national spotlight here in 2013.

Tip-off between Butler and LaSalle on Wednesday night is scheduled for 7:00pm (EST).